Kate Pontin, Operational Director, NHS in Norwich

We hear from Kate Pontin, Operational Director for Transformation & Delivery at Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust (NCH&C) about living and working in Norwich, exploring the Norfolk countryside and her favourite spots in Norwich.

We fell in love with it straight away, due to the vibrancy of the city paired with the proximity to the coast.

We were drawn to move to Norwich after spending a long weekend here by accident – we were originally meant to go to Cornwall, but due to the petrol crisis in 2000, we only got as far as Norwich. And thank goodness!

Norwich is such a friendly and kind city, with so much to do.

We love walking into town for a bite to eat or an evening at the theatre or the pub, then scooting home on a Beryl scooter. Norwich has some excellent pubs – we love the community feel of the Roseberry, the Stanley, and the Whalebone. Plus, there’s all the independent shops and eateries, too.

On top of all that, you can be in the great outdoors in under 40 minutes – especially if you live on the North side of the city.

Escaping to somewhere like Holkham or Winterton is my idea of a perfect weekend. If I’m staying closer to the city, we love to take our canoe out on the Wensum.

Kate on the NHS in Norwich…

The working community in Norwich has changed a lot over the past 20 years – for the better.

When I first arrived, you had to work hard to find someone who wasn’t from Norfolk. I worked in Sheffield before moving to Norwich, so the lack of diversity felt very stark by contrast.

Now, I work with people from many different communities and walks of life, both as patients and colleagues. Compared to 20 years ago, people are much chattier and keen to get to know each other.

Norfolk’s NHS is a great place for anyone who wants a rewarding career with plenty of autonomy, flexibility, and access to high-quality training.

The people of Norfolk seem to be naturally resourceful and creative, and that extends to the NHS too.

In a city like Norwich, you’re bound to find your people.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone thinking of moving to Norwich for work, what would it be?

Come and spend a day in the city and get a flavour for everything it has to offer – and all the nature on your doorstep, too. After that, I recommend checking out the many different social groups and activities available. In a city like Norwich, you’re bound to find your people.

Kate’s Norwich picks

To eat…

· JC Pinto

· The Bay Seafood Bar at Jarrolds

· Benoli

· Ciscoe’s

· Haggle

· Rishi

· Dhaba @15

To shop…

· Imelda’s for shoes

· There are excellent charity shops, the one opposite John Lewis is great

· Thorns is great for all things DIY, garden, and odd ands ends for your home

· The Tannery for slippers and winter woollies

· Jarrolds which is an innovative family run department store

With friends and family…

· Winterton and the Fisherman’s return – a great walk from the Horsey Wind pump and swimming with seals at Horsey.

· Walk from Wells through to Holkham.

· Steam Railway from Sheringham to Holt – great way to see the coast and have time in Sheringham.

· Blickling Hall is a great place to visit and has a fabulous second handbook shop in the courtyard.

· Norwich Theatre Royal is great for lots of different shows.

· If friends are visiting Norwich, I always encourage them to come in May so we can attend the many diverse shows at the N&N Festival.

· Fireworks on New Years’ Day from Cromer Pier.

· Holt is a great place to potter. Go to Byfords for cake, and Bakers & Larners for shopping. Don’t miss the great pubs and charity shops on your way through.

For more information on opportunities with the NHS in Norwich, visit wearenchc.nhs.uk and norfolkcommunityhealthandcare.nhs.uk